Who do we hold on to when we are forced to let go of even the closest ones?
According to WHO, there are 191,127 confirmed cases of coronavirus globally as of March 18.
As more and more footages of quarantined individuals trying to navigate life emerge we can't help but wish for the coronavirus pandemic to fade away so isolated people could return to their homes and families. But it is commendable how so many people are trying to inspire the world with their undying strength and zest for life. Not long ago, videos from certain localities of Italy showed quarantined people singing together from their respective balconies to keep their spirits up and that gave millions across the world hope and strength.
Every evening at 6pm, Italians are making it a thing across the country where they'll go out on their balconies to sing, play instruments & try to lift each other's spirits while in quarantine ❤️
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) March 13, 2020
📽️ @mmarrucco pic.twitter.com/BU7md6UBuQ
While the COVID-19 has engulfed a huge part of the world today, its mention would be incomplete without talking about China, its epicenter. When the news of a massive virus outbreak broke from China towards the end of January 2020, the country rapidly started locking down and medics from all across the country started traveling to Wuhan (the city of origin) to treat people. In this rush to stay safe and save lives, many people were separated from their families and homes.
Thousands were confined to hospitals, many were spending their days alone in isolation wards, and others just waiting at home away from their close ones, wishing for this storm to pass. Also, since the outbreak started during the time of the Chinese Lunar New Year [annual Spring festival], a large number of people rushed to visit their homes for the new year to celebrate the last happy event in, most likely, a long time.
Here are a few visuals from the initial days of the outbreak which will show you the cruel reality of our current times.
A couple bid goodbye to each other in the departure hall at Hong Kong High-Speed Rail Station when the Hong Kong Government denied entry for travelers who have been to Hubei province except for local residents.
Amidst the outbreak, Chinese citizens rush to their homes in various cities of the country to celebrate the new year. A couple shares a moment as they head back home. most likely, not knowing when they will meet again.
As the distress around the world seems to rise, a couple steals a moment to watch the sunset together and probably bid goodbye to each other knowing that it could be a long time before they see each other again.
A couple wearing their protective masks kiss before saying goodbye to catch a train at Beijing Station before the annual Spring Festival.
Another instance of a man kissing goodbye to his partner before they head to their respective homes for their annual Spring festival.
It is absolutely important to recognize the services of the medics all around the world who are risking their own lives to save others. Here is a photo of a Chinese doctor bidding his wife goodbye before traveling to Wuhan.
The heartbreaking moment when an elderly couple suffering from coronavirus bid goodbye to each other before being transferred to the ICU.
💔 breaking 😭, just terrible.
— Jennifer Barth (@JenniferBarth01) February 3, 2020
Elderly couple saying their goodbyes #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/W6CimdmDCL
On Valentine's Day, a woman waits with a rose for probably her loved one, at the subways during the rush hours.
Medical workers have a breakdown as they leave their loved ones behind to save others, many on social media are calling this a "suicide mission" because they believe many of them won't come back!
【目送亲友赴武汉支援哭断肠】
— 自由亚洲电台 (@RFA_Chinese) January 27, 2020
多个省市征召医护人员前往武汉支援，临出发一刻，很多人都视死如归，亲友同僚更是难舍难离。
最后只能说一声：我爱你！
网上视频 pic.twitter.com/XJVon5uWty
While the world is still fighting to stay safe and keep others safe, let us take a moment to pray for all those who are affected directly by this pandemic, and appreciate the unparalleled strength that they have shown in this time of grave crisis.
Disclaimer: Information about COVID-19 is swiftly changing, and Women Working is committed to providing the most recent and verified updates in our articles and reportage. However, considering the frequency in developments, some of the information/data in this article may have changed since the time of publication. Therefore, we encourage you to also regularly check online resources from local public health departments, the Centers for Disease Control, and the World Health Organization.
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